JEANNE’S REVIEW

Yes, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO has been done before --- at least 29 film versions and several TV adaptations --- but who’s counting --- and seriously, who cares? The latest production, written and directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, based on Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel, is a thrilling adventure that must be experienced on a very large screen.

Pierre Niney stars as Edmond Dantès, a decorated sailor who is betrayed by three men, arrested on his wedding day and sent to the island prison of Château d’lf. After 14 years he manages to escape when his only companion, Abbé Faria (Pierfrancesco Favino), dies and Edmond hides in the burial sack which is tossed into the sea.

Making a dramatic getaway, he returns to his home in Marseille, and learns his father has died and his true love, Mercédès Herrera (Anaïs Demoustier), has married one of the men who sent him to prison, Fernand de Morcerf (Bastien Bouillon).

He then travels to the island of Monte Cristo and following Faria’s explicit instructions, he finds the massive fortune as described and claims the title Count of Monte Cristo. Hell bent on revenge, he seeks out Fernand, Gérard de Villefort (Laurent Lafitte), who was Marseille’s deputy prosecutor, and Danglars (Patrick Mille), the captain who accused Edmond of being a Bonapartist. Using various disguises and his incredible wealth, Edmond, now the Count, devises a clever plan to bring down his enemies.

Despite its lengthy run-time of 173 minutes, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO does not fail to hold its audience’s attention. David and I attended the closing night screening at the American/French Film Festival in Los Angeles, and you could have heard a pin drop --- everyone was completely engrossed in this brilliant adaptation. The exceptional screenplay by Delaporte and De La Patellière keeps the action moving, aided by the memorable performances, spectacular set designs, costumes and outstanding soundtrack.

Niney is absolutely superb. He embodies Edmond with a steely determination which carries him through all his hardships --- and then his revenge. It’s an extremely demanding role and Niney proves he’s up to the challenge. The entire cast is amazing, particularly the younger members, Anamaria Vartolomei who plays

Haydée, Julien De Saint Jean as Andrea and Vassili Schneider starring as Mercédès’ handsome son, Albert de Morcerf. Each of these actors was patently aware of the magnitude of this story and the importance of their portrayals.

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO is a stunningly gorgeous film. The set designs by Stéphane Taillasson and costumes by Thierry Delettre are fabulous, along with the dynamic original music by Jérôme Rebotier. I don’t care how many times you’ve seen THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO you haven’t seen anything like this updated French version. If you love movies, you cannot miss this one --- it’s incomparable!

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

Of all the previous film versions of French author/playwright Alexandre Dumas’ THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, I obviously cannot unequivocally say which is the best because I’ve only seen a few of them. Now there is a new French version co-written and co-directed by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, that is magnifique!

At the center of the story this time as the handsome hero Edmond Dantès is prolific French actor Pierre Niney. Falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and imprisoned for 14 years, Dantès seeks “justice” --- not necessarily “revenge” as everybody else would characterize it --- against those responsible for his plight.

Three actors portray the villains we love to hate. Bastien Bouillon is Fernand de Morcef, Patrick Mille plays Danglars and Laurent Lafitte portrays Gérard de Villefort.

Niney’s performance is truly amazing. He must summon the resources to play the expectant husband-to-be, the falsely-charged prisoner, and finally a man who ages many years due to an impossibly long incarceration in a squalid hole in the ground. We should remember that the era is 1815 and there are no provisions for treating prisoners in a humane manner.

One of the most profoundly moving scenes in the film has Dantès --- years in solitary confinement --- finally meeting and physically able to touch another prisoner. That would be the character named Abbé Faria created by Dumas, played convincingly by Pierfrancesco Favino. He aids Dantès in his escape and more importantly shares his knowledge of a vast hidden treasure.

That escape sequence is remarkable and exciting. Niney actually feared for his life in the very scary underwater scene where his character is seemingly trapped in a sack with little chance of escape. Dantès eventually gains great wealth and becomes the title character. Niney’s make-up sessions lasted four to six hours, he endured long fencing lessons and learned how to ride horseback for the first time. The ensuing sword fights are expertly staged.

The ensemble cast is flawless, but it is clearly Niney’s bravura portrayal that makes this version special --- a must-see on the big screen. One of the most intriguing aspects of this story is the fact that our hero appears many years after his contemporaries assumed he was dead. It is especially emotional that his one-time bride-to-be,  Mercédès Herrera (Anaïs Demoustier), sees a certain recognition in Dantès’ eyes that curiously no one else is able to see.

Converting Alexander Dumas’ massive novel into a feature-length movie has always been a challenge for filmmakers. But De La Patellière and Delaporte have met that challenge with spectacular results. And as critics Jeanne and I often complain about movies being too long. But THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO’s running time of virtually three hours is a non-issue.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!